ERIC Number: EJ1212910
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2147-611X
EISSN: N/A
Teachers' Mathematics Education and Readiness Beliefs, and Kindergarteners' Mathematics Learning
Jung, Eunjoo; Zhang, Yue; Chiang, Jason
International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, v7 n2 p137-154 2019
This study investigates kindergarten children's mathematics learning with a focus on the role of teachers' mathematics education and readiness beliefs, and home learning environment. Using structural equation modeling to estimate the individual differences in early mathematics learning, data from 5,845 kindergarteners was evaluated. Findings show that teachers' beliefs regarding what is important for children's preparation in mathematics selectively influenced what they taught in the classrooms for mathematics education and what children experienced in kindergarten. The results also reveal that children who were provided ample experiences in reading and singing activities at home, and more frequent math learning practices, problem-solving activities, and arts or life-related materials within the classroom showed greater math thinking skills and higher math achievement scores than those who were not provided such experiences. More reading and singing activities at home, math learning practices, problem solving activities, and use of art or life-related materials during the kindergarten year are encouraged to highlight kindergarteners' mathematics instruction and learning. What has a greater impact on mathematics learning in kindergarteners appears to be the kind of instruction that is planned and delivered, rather than teachers' beliefs regarding mathematics readiness.
Descriptors: Kindergarten, Preschool Children, Preschool Teachers, School Readiness, Mathematics Education, Mathematics Skills, Teacher Attitudes, Family Environment, Student Experience, Problem Solving, Art Activities, Reading, Singing, Class Activities, Learning Activities, Mathematics Activities
International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Necmettin Erbakan University, Ahmet Kelesoglu Education Faculty, Meram, Konya, 42090, Turkey. e-mail: ijermst@gmail.com; Web site: http://ijemst.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Primary Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A